Workforce Education

Careers in Journalism

A variety of jobs exists for those trained in journalism in both print and electronic media. Reporters collect background and details about events for published or broadcast news and feature stories. Columnists write regular opinion pieces for newspapers, magazines, and Web outlets. Copy editors read, edit, and format manuscripts. Designers create graphics for publications and photojournalists shoot and edit photos and video. Related positions for journalists include editorial and research assistants, public relations specialists, technical writers, advertising copy writers, and designers.

Employment Outlook

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) collects data about the state’s workforce. These data include information about the number of people employed in the field, job outlook, and wage information. The California EDD predicts for the period 2008-2018 the number of openings for reporters and correspondents to decrease. However a number of occupations requiring similar skill sets will continue to be in demand. Openings for editors and technical writers are both expected to increase by over 10%. For more detailed information about positions journalism and related occupations, check the California Occupational Guide for the occupations listed below: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/Search.aspx.

Reporters and Correspondents (SOC 27-3022)

Editors (SOC 27-3041)

Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031)

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success

People working in journalism and professional writing fields are expected to have a solid foundation in English structure, stylistics, grammar, and composition. They should be inquisitive, have a genuine interest in people, and be able to express themselves in writing succinctly and clearly. Excellent research skills are essential, as are mastery of desktop publishing and design software, and increasingly sound and video production for multimedia presentation.

General Info About the Program

De Anza College has a long tradition of teaching journalism through its award-winning La Voz Web-based and print student newspaper. The Journalism degree program provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of related disciplines including writing, photography, graphic design, newspaper production, Web design, and video production.